12.09.2011

Improvements in Galena Village

Village staff is also working with the Trail Fund to place grant funded signs along the Galena portion of the OTET. The Village has acquired old railroad crossing signs to identify the trail as well.

Galena Village receives grant from Preservation Parks

Thursday, December 8, 2011

At its November meeting, Galena Village Council learned that the Village was awarded another Community Parks Improvement Grant from Preservation Parks of Delaware County. The grant will reimburse nearly $32,000 of the costs for Phase 3 of the Miller Park train playground, reducing the height of swing sets in both Miller and Ruffner parks, and building a pump house/storage building at the Ruffner Park ball field. Village staff is also working with the Ohio To Erie Trail (OTET) Fund to place grant funded signs along the Galena portion of the OTET. The Village has acquired old railroad crossing signs to identify the trail as well.

Public Service Director Scott Jamison reported that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) visited Galena’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). USEPA officials are interested in the energy audit Galena completed with assistance from the OEPA. The Village evaluated energy usage and decreased the electrical usage in the WWTP by 20 percent during 2011 saving the Village $3,800 as of October. American Electric Power’s gridSmart program provided a $4,000 reimbursement grant to purchase equipment for the project. Jamison plans to work with OEPA on a new project to further reduce energy consumption.

At the Facilities Committee’s recommendation, Council approved moving forward with advertising bids for construction work on the Galena Village Hall (formerly the Galena United Methodist Church). The project will include creating an Americans With Disabilities (ADA) compatible unisex bathroom, improving safety of the basement stairwell and improving the northern fire escape exit. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the Village Hall, 109 Harrison Street, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. The project will be advertised for bids January 18 through February 1. The project should begin February 13 and conclude April 9. Village staff will begin some demolition and general maintenance work to prepare the building for staff offices and Council chambers next spring.

Council passed an ordinance making an exception to the Ohio Basic Code codified ordinance section 137.09 E and H which prohibits discharge of weapons within the municipal boundaries. The exception was made at the request of property owner Larry Mullins who owns 43.5 acres of agriculturally zoned land on Alexander Road. Mullins needs to be able to hunt to control the deer population in order to keep his property feasible for farming.

Council held first readings on a variety of organizational resolutions, including an annual 3 percent sewer fee increase from $50.56 per month ($151.68/quarter) to $52.08 per month ($156.23/quarter). Fiscal Officer Marty Mazzie reported that several grossly delinquent accounts have been brought current in order to remove liens so properties can be sold.

Personnel resolutions were read for the 2012 employment of the following:

• Scott Jamison (Village Administrator, Public Service Director, Zoning Inspector, Property Maintenance Inspector and Floodplain Administrator);

• Jeanna Burrell (Assistant Public Service Director);

• Marty Mazzie (Fiscal Officer);

• Michelle Dearth (Assistant Fiscal Officer);

• Jeff Stokes (Maintenance Supervisor);

• Sally Hopper (Zoning and Planning Commission Clerk); and

• Ken Molnar (Solicitor).

John Hower was a guest in Council Chambers representing Rinehart Walters and Danner Associates. He reviewed the Village’s Ohio Plan insurance policy which is up for renewal on December 20.

Long-term Village resident John Bland was also in Council asking permission to use a room in the Galena Village Hall to start a Galena museum. Bland would like to set up a nonprofit organization and donate his collection of historical items and information to the Village. Bland will work on details with Village Solicitor Ken Molnar.

Council member Paul Bolander reported that the BST&G Fire District has decided to move forward with a renewal levy with a small increase on the ballot.

The Recreation Committee gave a big thanks to Fisher Tree Service for trimming and decorating the Christmas tree on the square for last Sunday’s (December 4) Village Tree Lighting ceremony at the Delaware County Bank’s Galena branch.

Santa arrives in Galena at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 17 in Council Chambers at 9 West Columbus Street. He will be listening to wish lists until 12 noon when he has to return to the North Pole. Kids will receive goodie bags and hayrides will be offered.

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